Dr. Arthur Laffer – Does Taxing the Rich Work?
On Wednesday, September 27, 2023 CROWE and Young America’s Foundation (YAF) hosted Dr. Arthur Laffer for his lecture, “Does Taxing the Rich Work?”
Dr. Laffer addressed a crowd of about 150 UW-Madison students, faculty, alumni, and members of the community, and discussed U.S. wealth distribution and tax policy. In particular, he focused on how historic tax rates shaped the wealth distribution, and how this history shows a distinct correlation between raising the tax rate and an underperforming economy. He cited data and the Slutsky equation to further show that when tax rates increase, the wealthy earn less, report less, shelter more income, and ultimately are less incentivized to work. When tax rates fall, the reverse happens.
Dr. Laffer argued that the most efficient way to close the income inequality gap is not by increasing taxes, but instead by focusing on economic growth: job creation and opportunity expansion. His talk was followed by a Q&A session, in which he spoke on economic policies to avoid entering into recession, implementation and regulation of enterprise zones (tax-free pockets), and more.
Thank you for your continued interest and support of CROWE. We look forward to welcoming you at future events.
Dr. Laffer lecture
Dr. Arthur Laffer discussed the ways that taxes affect all income levels.
Dr. Laffer lecture
Dr. Laffer addressed a crowd of about 150 UW-Madison students, faculty, alumni, and members of the community.
Dr. Laffer lecture
CROWE Co-Director Ananth Seshadri spoke on the mission of CROWE.
Dr. Laffer lecture
YAF President Blake Weiner introduced Dr. Laffer, a renowned economist and former advisor to Presidents Reagan and Trump.
Dr. Laffer lecture
The lecture by Dr. Laffer was sponsored by Young America’s Foundation (YAF) and CROWE.
Dr. Laffer lecture
Dr. Laffer answered questions from the audience.
Dr. Laffer lecture
Dr. Laffer explained the history of U.S. tax policy.
Dr. Laffer lecture
Members of the Madison community also attended the lecture.
Dr. Laffer lecture
The lecture was held at the UW-Madison Wisconsin Business School Plenary room.
Dr. Laffer lecture
Dr. Laffer explained that when tax rates increase, the wealthy earn less, shelter more income, and are less incentivized to work.
Dr. Laffer lecture
Dr. Laffer illustrated U.S. tax history with statistics and reasoning.